Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3795, John French, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va
French, John Dolly
R. 3795
CONTENTS
1-1778-61

State of Kentucky S.S. Russell County Court 3
February Term 1833 appeared on this 11 th day of February 1833 personally, Before the worshipful Justices of the Russell County Court of Russell County State of Kentucky now sitting John French Sen. a Resident of the County of Russell aforesaid aged 72 years the 2 d day of November last past who being first duly sworn according to law, cloth on his Oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of an act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
That he entered the service of the united States as drafted militiaman in the County of Bedford State of Virginia in the month of September in the year 1779 for three months in the Company of Capt Moses Greer Chatton degid Lieut Ensign Ray He was immediately marched on to New London at which place he was joined to some other militia and remained a few days when he was marched through Albemarle on toward Portsmouth and was marched to various points in pursuit of the enemy he was joined to no regular troops during the war his Company was attached to Col. Bufords Regiment he continued there the full term for which he was called out being there until the

and was Honorably discharged by his Capt on the Rapahannock River and return home - he states that in the month of April 1780 he volunteered as a Matiliaman for three months under Capt Moses Greer Chatten Dogide sent class not recollect the name of the ensign, he was immediately joined to Col o Linches Regiment and marched on to Petersburg where he was joined to Gen l Lawson Brigade he was kept at Petersburg untill the term expired at which place he was Honorably discharged by Col o Lynch and returned home and again in the month of September in the same year he volunteered under the same officer for three months, he immediately entered the service and was marched to the Lead mines to guard that place where he remained three months in this town he joined no troops his Capt o Company being all that was posted at that place he was again Honorably discharged and returned home he again in the spring 1781 volunteered as a Matiliaman for three months under Capt Thomas Arthur at which time his former Capt Volunteered as a lieut ant class not recollect the name of his ensign he was immediately joined to Col o Lynchs Regiment and marched on to the Frontier of Virginia continued in

That Section of the Country the whole of the time during which he had several skirmishes with the Tories after having served his full term he was Honorable discharged by his Capt and returned home, in a few days after he returned home the British was in the neighborhood men was again wanted and he again Turned Out for three months under Capt Greer and was marched on to a place near new London where he was put under a Capt who was a stranger to him and whose name he cannot now recollect he was attached to General Lawson's Brig ade and was marched on to Wabbs York Newcastle on Potomac river where he remained until his term expired and was again Honorably discharged he states most positively that he faithfully served in the five tours as of as a militiaman in the service of the united States in the war of the Rebs during five one year and three months he left all his discharges at his fathers when he left there soon after the close of the war and does not know what was income of them - he was a citizen of Bedford County Virginia during the time he was in service, he states that he was Born on the 2 d day of November 1760 in the in the County of Richmond State of Virg inia agreeable to the information of his parents which he believes to be true he has no record of his age, he was at an early age taken by his parents to Pocahontas County Virginia where he remained a short time and was

from then taken to Bedford where he Remained during the time he was in Service and for several  several years thereafter untill the year 1798 when he moved to and settled in the neighbourhood where he now lives. he states that he has no documentary Evidence of his service his discharge having been lost. as before stated he can prove his services substantially by Hugh French Senr whose testimony he herewith presents. he hereby relinquishes every claim there whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any state sworn to and subscribed the day and year of? John French Jr.
I Hugh French Senr. Residing in the County of Russell state of Kentucky do hereby certify that John French who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration is my brother that I do well recollect that he served as a militiaman in the war of the Revolution and have no doubt that he served each tour as long as he states I distinctly rec- ollect his going and returning each time and cannot therefore be mistaken as to his services I fur- ther state that he is the age he states according to the information of our parents which I believe to be true sworn to and subscribed the day and year of. Hugh French Senr.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th of June - 1832
State of Illinois ss - Macon County)
on this 6 th day of June - 1857
personly appeared - before the honorable county Court - of Macon county - Illinois John French - Sen r of the State & county aforesaid Aged - Seventy Seven Years, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth - on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the made by the - act of Congress passed June the 7 th 1832 That - Interd - the Service of the United States as a Substitute in a Drafted man's place for three Months Tower in the of the following named Officers (Towit) by order of Col l James Calaway I was placed under captain Moses Green - Eighteen Dogd l Lieut t Ensign Ray and was Mustered into service in the Month of April in the year 1779 - and was immediately Marched under the command of his Capt l - to the Ledges where the company was placed to guard the intrust - of that place - he further states that - he assisted the inhabitants in that part - to plant corn, and that he was not in that Tower under the command of any higher officers - than a Capt l - and that - the company he belongs to was the only detachment - placed at - that place for the safety of it - after his Tower Expired he was honorably Discharged by Col l - James Calaway The colonel of the county the applicant further states that in the fall fall of said year he volunteered under the same (company) officers and Rendevoused - at new London Bedford count - Virginia - at which place he was joined to him other Militia and remained there a few days, when he was Marched Thru Albemarl County - Virginia - and on toward Portsmouth and was Marched to various parts of the State in pursuit of the Enemy he was attached and placed under Colonel - Blufords in this three Months Tower & again received credit for three Months Tower and returned home, The Declarant - further states that he again volunteered in the Militia under same capt l - in the Month of Aprile - in the year 1780 - & was immediately Mustered into service under Col l Lynch - and was attached

To Genl Lawsons Brigade - and - was Marched - to Petersburg and - was continued - at - that - place to watch the movement of the Enemy as there was much Excitement - at that place and apprehension of the British Shipping Landing there, and here the - Declarant - was again discharged - by col d Lynch - for 3 Months tower and - Returned home, and in the Spring of 1781 there was An other call for men and - he again volunteered as a militia - man under capt Thomas Arthur and was immediately joined to colonel Lynchs Regiment - and - was marched to the frontiers of Virginia passing over Little River & New River, and in this town where we had - a number of Skirmishes with the Tories and after marching thro various parts of the state we returned back over the Blue Ridge and - we received information of various Leading characters of Tories and - after Deliberation I was detached - with a band of 25 men and after obtaining my our pilot - we Marched - to the plantation of a noted Tory by the name of Guy Smith and were so fortunate as to come on that - gentleman and after a few polite compliments passing between us we made him our prisoner, and after satisfying our hunger on Good - Baked ham out of his meat house together with the other Refreshing comforts of life in which we so much needed we led off our prisoner and Deposited him safe in New London Jail in Bedford County Va after which Service I was discharged by my capt, and Returned home having received a credit - for three Months tower and in a short time after he returned home the British were spreading over different parts of the country -, and there was a Draft for men by order of the colonel - and - it fell to his lot by Draft to go and went again under capt - Gier & Mustered into Service under but - for the applicant - states by Reason of old age and the consi- -quent loss of memory he cannot swear positively to the name of the col d in this tower but is of opinion that he started under a col d Arthur and afterward was placed under a strong col whose name he cannot recollect - but states that the Regiment he belonged to was attached to Genl Lawsons Brigade - we were Marched to Richmond Virginia and there found that the Enemy had burnt the Works in Richmond we continued our Line of march to

Laid Disolat by burning, from thence to Norben hill and there Lay for three week to notice the movement of the Enemy from thence to New castle - here we ware again Discharged by our capt for an other three Months Tour and Returned home - having Received a Discharged five three Months Tour Discharges amounting in all to fifteen Months the and he hereby relinquishes Over claim whatever to a pension or An annuity Except the present and he declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency in any state -
Interrogatories Sworn to and Sub. of the court
Q - where and in what year ware you born An I was Born in Rockingham county Virginia on the 2 nd day of November in the year AD - 1760
Q - have you any Record of your age if so where is it An. I have no Spacial Record of my age but as handed Down by tradition by my Parent -
(court) where ware you Living when called int service and where have you Lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you now Live
An, I Lived when called into servs in Bedford county Vir- ginia - and after the war I removed to Garret county state of Kentucky from thence to Macon county where State of Illinois where I now Live
(court) how ware you called into servs ware you a Draftee did you volunteer or war you a substitute and if a subst for whom
An) in my first tour I was a substitute in stead of John Divers & in the three next tours I volunteered & last I was Draftee
Q) did you ever receive any discharges and if so what has become of them -
An) I have gave in details, the different discharges I rec d and for every tour I Left them at Fathers, when I removed and do not know what has become of them
Q state the names of the Regular officers which ware with the troops where you served
An) I have according to the best of recollection (stated) the officers names in details and as to the general circumstances of my services

I have been under the necessity of limiting and many of them from old age and the consequent loss of memory and long laps of time has escaped my recollection
(court) state the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution
In) I refer to James H. Scott & Alfred Murphy who can testify in these respects concerning me
The foregoing declaration sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
John French Sr
We James H. Scott a clergyman residing in the County of Macon and State of Illinois & Alfred Murphy residing in the same hereby certify that they are well acquainted with John French Sr who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration and that we believe him to be seventy seven years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion - sworn to and subscribed - the day & year aforesaid
James H. Scott Alfred Murphy
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states and the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that James H. Scott, is a clergyman residing in the County of Macon and Alfred Murphy who has also signed the same is a resident in the County of Macon aforesaid and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit
I Henry M. Gorn Clerk of the County Commissioners Court of Macon County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John French Sr for a pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 6th day of June A.D. 1853 H. M. Gorn Clk

Know all men by these presents, That We Martha Spencer and Elizabeth Davenport the children of John and Polly French died their off Father John French
in the Army of the Revolution, do hereby constitute and appoint J. J. Coombs who was a Soldier
our true and lawful Attorney for us and in our names to prosecute against the Government of the United States, before any Department thereof, any and all claim or claims We have to arrears of pay or Pension money, under any Act or Acts, Resolution or Resolutions, of the Congress of the United States, and especially the Acts 4th July 1836, 7th July 1838, 3rd March 1843, 17th June 1844, 2nd February 1848, and 29th July 1848—as well as the more ancient Acts of 18th March 1818, 15th May 1828, and 7th June 1832.
our Said Attorney is moreover authorised in our names to demand at any Department of the said Government, a re-consideration of any decision hitherto or hereafter to be given, touching our interests, and to obtain from any Department or the archives thereof, any and all information or evidence of whatever character relating to or in anywise bearing upon the claim or claims we hereby seek the investigation of.
our Said Attorney is moreover authorised to do any and all things necessary to carry out the foregoing purposes, and to receive the Certificates of Pension or other character of drafts or evidences of the amounts due us and to appoint one or more Sub-Attorneys, and to confer upon him or them all the powers therein conferred upon himself hereby ratifying and confirming all that our said Attorney may do by virtue of these presents.
WITNESS our hand and seal this the 4th day of August 1852.
Witnesses Davenport John McGraw
Martha Spencer Mark Elizabeth Davenport Mark
State of Illinois  DeWitt County, sec.
BE IT KNOWN, that on the 4th day of August 1852, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Elizabeth Davenport and Martha Spencer  Polly French subscribers to the foregoing Power of Attorney, and acknowledging the signing, sealing and delivering the same to be their own voluntary act and deed for the uses and purposes therein set forth.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I do hereunto subscribe my name,
John McGraw J. P.

State of Illinois } Irwin } Sec. County. }
On this, the 4 th day of August 1852 personally appeared before me John M c Graw an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid. Martha Spencer & Elizabeth Davenport aged 46 and about 50 years, who, being duly sworn according to law, doth on their oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed 7 th of July  Feb y  1832
To wit: that they are the children of John French deceased who was a soldier in the army of the Revolution for a considerable time, that their aforesaid father died on the 19 th day of February 1844, and left their mother Sally French his widow who died on the 22 nd day of September 1844, and left John French, Daniel French, Sally Clifton, Milly Cross and the Declarants (Elizabeth Davenport & Martha Spencer) her only living children. That their aforesaid Father and Mother were married in the time of the Revolutionary war, that they have often heard their say so, that their aforesaid Father and Mother had thirteen (13) children seven of whom died before their aforesaid Father and Mother died and that the above named are the only living children of their aforesaid

Father and Mother
Most respectfully asks the Hon. Commissioner of Pensions, that their aforesaid claim or claims may be allowed under the aforesaid Acts, and that the Certificates evidencing the same may be enclosed to their Attorney.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, on the day and year aforesaid.
John McGraw J. P.
Mrs Martha + Spencer Mrs
Elizabeth Davenport Mrs
I, the just subscribed Magistrate, do certify that the above Declarants are personally known to me, and that they are persons of truth and respectability, in whose statements the fullest faith and credit should be placed.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name on this the fourth day of August 1852,
John McGraw J. P.

State of Illinois } Sec. DeWitt County. }
I John J McGraw Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State aforesaid, do certify that John J McGraw is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County, duly commissioned and sworn; and that his signatures above are are genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed a Seal of Office, on this the 5 day of August 18 52
John J McGraw Clerk

children of John French, Act 1832
& Dolly, his widow, " 1836
Illinois
Widows claim received
J. L. Coombs

State of Illinois } set Dewitt County } I Daniel Robbins Judge of the County Court of the County of Dewitt and state aforesaid do certify that It has Satisfactorily appeared to me by the oaths of two witnesses and the records of this County that John French a Revolutionary Soldier died on the 17 th day of February 1844 and Left Dolly French his widow & John French Daniel French Sally Clifton Milly Cross Elizabeth Davenport & Martha Shencer this only living Children and that his widow Dolly French aforesaid died on the 22 day of September 1844 and Left John French Daniel French Sally Clifton Elizabeth Davenport Martha Shencer & Milly Cross her only Living Children
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this 5 th day of August AD 1852
Daniel Robbins (Seal) County Judge

State of Illinois 58 Dewitt County }
I John J. Mcbraw Clerk of the County Court in & for said County do hereby certify that Daniel Robbins Esq. whose signature appears to the foregoing Certificate is genuine and that he was County Judge of the County of Dewitt duly Commissioned and qualified on the date of his appointment and as such full faith and credit are due his official as well out of Court as in Court
Given under my hand and Seal of office done at Clinton August 5. 1852
John J. Mcbraw Clerk

24035
John Granch
Kentucky
Wm L. May
Wm S. Williams HK
Wm Owens Columbia Kentucky

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 9 th 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7. 1832. has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of John Grench Sn Russell County State Kentucky
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Act of 1779 " 3 " " Capt Green Col Buford 72 Years Bradfords n Traditionary   Vol 1780 " 3 " " Capt Green Col Lynch Gen Lawson County Virginia and Documentary evidence   1780 " 3 " " Same Officers Papers not authenticated in the last tour of service No Colonel given   1781 " 3 " " Capt Arthur Col Lynch   " " 3 " " Capt Green Gen Lawson  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this                      day of                      personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of                      in the county of                      and State, Territory or District of                      aged (c)                      years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)                      , with                      and served in the                      (e) regiment of the                      line, under the following named officers :
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service: the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I                      of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of                      for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of                      &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the                      and C. D. residing in (the same)                      , who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the                      and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the                      and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,                      Clerk of the Court of                      do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this                      day of                      &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person.

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or place where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
N. Castle

August 31, 1936
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
JOHN FRENCH R. 3795 BA-J/MLB OW
Emma Lee Walton 747 Junior Terrace Chicago, Illinois
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of John French, who served in the Revolutionary War from Virginia and was later of Macon and De Witt Counties, Illinois.
The record of John French follows as found in the papers on file in pension claim, R. 3795, based upon service in the Revolutionary War.
John French was born November 2, 1760, in Rockingham County, or in Richmond County, Virginia. The names of his parents are not given.
Rec'd time John French applied for pension February 11, 1833, while living in Russell County, Kentucky, to which neighborhood he moved in 1798. He alleged that while living in Bedford County, Virginia, where he resided until 1798, he enlisted and served at various times between April or September, 1779, and the summer of 1781, amounting in all to between eleven and one half and fifteen months, under Captains Moses Greer and Thomas Arthur and Colonels James Calaway, Buford and Lynch, in the Virginia militia. At the time of his application for pension he signed John French, Senior.
His claim was not allowed as he failed to furnish satisfactory proof of the alleged service as required by the pension laws. in accordance with the requirements of the pension laws
The soldier was living in Macon County, Illinois, in 1837, to which county he had moved from "Garret" (possibly meant for Garrard) County, Kentucky. He died February 17, 1844.
Soldier's widow, Dolly French, died September 22, 1844. Her maiden name is not shown.
John French and his wife, Dolly, had thirteen children, seven of

whom died prior to the death of their parents. Their names are not stated.
The following children survived their parents: John, Daniel, Sally Clifton, Milly Cross, Martha Spencer and Elizabeth Davenport. The last named two were residents of DeWitt County, Illinois, in 1852, aged forty-six and fifty years, respectively.
The soldier's brother, Hugh French, Sr., was a resident of Russell County, Kentucky, in 1833.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Wright Kent May 9 th 1835 $10 Note within 30 days And 50 cts
B. Larnon & Co Alscandia Grut
6.8.404 52.02 1.9.1835
I find it impossible to do any thing to liquidate B.H.'s note due 8/11 inst. I have to beg you to extend it for 60 days longer. I have been engaged for the past week in making taking stock & getting up B.H.'s business, preparatory to a dissolution of partnership; I have not been enabled to make the necessary exertion to get the money, that I otherwise would

would have done - I hope this will not put you to serious inconvenience. I send you above W.H.'s note for the amount of the old note & shall be with you on Wednesday to settle how pay the discount.
Respectfully Yr. servt.
R. Wright
May 9 '7835

1917 Feb 6 Tombstone data to Mrs. A. J. Whitsel
1926. Aug 26. Dist. to J. L. Andrews
1931. Mar 16 - Dist. to J. T. Boyd mmst
1936, Aug 31. Dist. to Emma Lee Walton mLB
3795
P. O.
John French
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: of 1851 The printed list, of his peaded pensions gives, Re-enlisted: cause as
Certificate withheld until some one of respectability applies for it."
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

John French Illinois
Suspended
Let J. J. Booms Aug 24/52.
• Jas K. Scott May 7/53
3795
acts 7 th June 1832
Certificate not to be issued for John French until application is made by some one of respecting his case

4
Dec 3 1852
Rel: to case of John French's deed
James P. Heath Commissioner of Pensions Washington
James P. Heath Georgetown D.C. 1852

State of Illinois County of DeWitt Nov 9 th AD 1852 Hon James D Heath Commissioner of pensions Sir
I am requested to write to you a letter of Enquiry, and also for information the matter of Enquiry is in relation to the pension of John French who was a Soldier of the of the Revolution — I filed his Declaration in the Court of Macon County Illinois I think in the year 1834 or 35 and never recd no answer and am informed that the pension was allowed — I am informed that Some person who is unknown to me is endeavoring to obtain the pension for Some two of the heirs to the prejudice and injury of the others — John French the pensioner being dead and also his widow
I am acquainted with all the heirs — and all I want is Equal Justice —
please be So good as to give me all the information on the subject that is necessary to enable all Heirs to apply correctly and receive their Equal portion
Will the Children of a Son who died before the pension was allowed be Entitled you will find my name on the pension papers please give me information Soon as convenient
yours with Great Respect —
James K Scott
James D Heath
Comr Pensions

James K. Scott, May 7/53.

Pension Office
May 7. 1853
Sir
In answer to your letter of Nov. 9. 1852, I have to inform you that the claim of John French, of Illinois, now deceased, was suspended for want of for want of evidence of service; and as no further evidence of service has been presented the case remains suspended.
Grand-children cannot claim the pension of a Revolutionary soldier.
James K. Scott Esq Waynesville DeWitt Co Ill.

F. Holmes Aug 24/52

341 Pension Office,
Aug 24. 1852.
Sir,
If the claim of John French dec d of Illinois under the Act of 7 June 1832 were not embraced within the five year rule recently laid down by the Sec y of the Interior, it could not still be allowed without being better sustained. There is no record evidence of the service performed by French, nor any testimony of individuals who had any knowledge of it
J. J. Coombs, Esq. Present

admitted 11 1/2 notes
p 38.38 100
36 67 1.67 38 34

State of Illinois Macon (county) < Supplement- to the foregoing Declaration
This day personally appeared- before me the undersigned- Justice of the peace in and for said- county- John French- (Senior), and- on his oath doth make the following Declaration, as a supple- =ment- to the foregoing Declaration- who on his oath deposeth and- saith that- in consequence of old age and infirmit y it will- be very inconvenient for him to attend- in open case court- to amende his Declaration and- therefor states as follows as Explanatory to the Differant- towers he served- as a Soldier of the revolution in his first tower as detailed- in the foregoing Declaration the declarant- saith that in consequence of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot state positive as to the length of time but that it was not less then then two months and- that the peculiar cause of detain- in service was the fierceness of the inhabitant s of hostilities from the Indians - Second- tower was not less then one month and- a half, third- tower was not less then one month and a half, fourth tower was not less then two months and- the cause of the delay in this tower was a waiting to see- the movement- of the Enemy - fifth and last- tower was not less then then three months- amounting in all in actual service to Eleven Months and a half for which he claims a pension. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 15 th day of Janu y A D 1838
Edom Shugart John French an acting justice of the peace in and for Macon County Ill le
State of Illinois } Macon County } Henry M. Levin Clerk of the County Commissioners Court in and for Macon County of said do certify that Edom Shugart

Whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate is and was on the day of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in & for said county duly elected Commissioners and qualified as the law directs and as such full faith and credit are due all his official acts. And I further Certify that I have attached this sheet to the declaration of John French for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Macon County at my Office in Decatur the 3 d day of May A.D. 1838
He McAlister CLK "

John Albrecht 24035
William
State of Ky. Infants County General Del

We William Bradley & Davis Chamberlain
Residing in the County of Russell State of Ken- tucky do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John French who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration that we believe him to be 72 years that he is reputed in the neighbour- hood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion sworn to and subscribed this day and year of
W m Bradley Davis Chamberlain
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after put- ting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolution- ary soldier and served as he states and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that though French says William Bradley and Davis Chamber- lain who has signed the preceding certificates are residents of the County of Russell State of Kentucky and that they are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit
William Patterson Clerk of the County Court of Russell County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John French for a pension and further certify that I have attached this sheet to the declaration of said French In Testimony whereof I

have set my hand and here affixed my private seal there being no seal of office yet provided at office in Jamestown this 1 st day of February 1833. 44 th year of the Commonwealth
Charles F. Esperson the Clerk for William Patterson Clerk of Russell County Court Ky

State of Ky. Russell County Circuit Set William
24035
John H. Beck

His writing so illegible I could not be sure what the name was "French", "Fareche", "Furch", or what - could made it "French" - post @MMHF
March 16, 1931
Mr. T. J. Boyd Oakvale, West Virginia
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section MMHF:MLB
Dear Sir:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 3795, that John French was born November 2, 1760 in Rockingham County or in Richmond County, Virginia.
He applied for pension February 11, 1833, while living in Russell County, Kentucky, to which neighborhood he moved in 1798. He alleged that while living in Bedford County, Virginia, where he resided until 1798, he enlisted and served at various times, between April or September, 1779 and the summer of 1781, amounting in all to between eleven and one-half and fifteen months, under Captains Moses Greer and Thomas Arthur and Colonels James Calaway, Buford and Lynch, in the Virginia militia. At the time of his application for pension he signed John French, Senior.
His claim was not allowed as he failed to furnish satisfactory proof of the alleged service as required by the pension laws.
He was living in Macon County, Illinois in 1837, to which county he had moved from "Garret" (possibly meant for Garrard) County, Kentucky.
He died February 17, 1844.
next line → Soldier's widow, Dolly French, He was survived by his widow, Dolly, who died September 22, 1844. Her maiden name is not shown.
They had thirteen children, seven of whom died prior

to the death of their parents. Their names are not stated.
The following children survived their parents:- John, Daniel, Sally Clifton, Milly Cross, Martha Spencer and Elizabeth Davenport. The last named two were residents of Dewitt County, Illinois in 1852, aged forty-six and fifty years, respectively.
The soldier's brother, Hugh French, Sr., was a resident of Russell County, Kentucky in 1833.
The Revolutionary War records of this bureau fail to afford any information in regard to Mathew (Matthew) French.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

Rev. & 1813 Wars Section.
aw
August 26, 1926.
Laurence L. Andrews, C/o Y. M. C. A. Clinton, Ills.
Sir:
I have to advise you, that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 3795, it appears that John French was born November 2, 1760, in Rockingham or Richmond County, Virginia.
No af- He alleged that while living in Bedford County, Virginia, where he resided until 1798, he enlisted and served at various times, between April Sept 1779 and the summer of 1781, amounting in all to between eleven and a half 9 1/2 months, under Captains Moses Greer and Thomas Arthur and Colonels James Calaway, Buford and Lynch, in the Virginia Militia.
He applied for pension, February 11, 1833, while living in Russell County, Kentucky, to which neighborhood he moved in 1798, but his claim was not allowed as he failed to furnish satisfactory proof of the alleged service, as required by the pension laws.
At the time of his ap. for pen. he signed: John F. French, Danville. He was living in Macon County, Illinois in 1837. He died February 17, 1844, leaving a widow Dolly, who died September 22, 1844.
To which co. he moved from Garrett Co., Ky

They had thirteen children, seven of them died before their parents, names not stated.
The following survived them: John, Daniel, Sally Clifton, Milly Cross, Martha Spencer and Elizabeth Davenport, the last two were residents of Dewitt County, Illinois in 1852, aged respectively, forty-six and fifty years.
Sister's bro. Hugh French, Jr. was a res. of Russell Co. Ky in 1833. Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN, Acting Commissioner.

War Section.
February 6, 1917.
Mrs. A. T. Whitsel, 961 Cleveland Avenue, Decatur, Ill.
Madam:
In response to your letter received the 29 th ultimo, you are advised that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim Rejected No. 3,795 it appears that John French was born November 2, 1760, in Rockingham County, Virginia, and lived in Bedford County, Virginia, when it is alleged that he enlisted in the Virginia Troops.
In 1837 he was living in Macon County, Illinois, and died February 17, 1844, place not stated.
The claim was not allowed for lack of proof of service.
Very respectfully,
J. M. [unclear] Commissioner.
Combstone data only furnished in this

August 15 '36
Gentlemen:
Please send me a copy of the Pension of John French of Macon Co. and De Witt Co. Illinois, who served in the Revolution in Virginia. Any family data I shall also be glad of. Thank you.
Very truly yours.
Emma Lee Walton

Dallas H. Ma of 28th 1930
Gentlemen. Will you please let me know what mother. I enclose a job for you from the War Salvage of Red. War in Regular Army of 92nd or 93rd Infantry fighting British in Indochina. Did either Japanese mother (Grand) Prisoner for Services a History of Middle and Far Eastern By a former Congressman says mother father his son John for the born in Cal. William Preston Battalion of Montgomery Co. Mills of White Joseph Clayton Major of Texas showed copy of the Co I believe the descendants of these men went to build a private mother & don't know if they were in Red War of either mother or son. Miller says so. He has answering. Resp.
Y J Bayd
Dear Sir,
Of possibly some of these further illustrations as shown last night the one of the ... was kept as a note in the ...

After 5 days, return to
Laurence I. Andrews.
c/o Y. M. C. A. CLINTON, ILLINOIS.
Clinton, Illinois
July 6, 1926
To: Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D. C.
The records of War Dept. "A G O" Show one John French . Rank not stated. Enlisted 28th day March 1776, 5th regiment South Carolina.
As A G O's Records are incomplete am refered to your division of old records as to weather Pensions or pay either Reimbursement or Bounty was Issued to one John French who about year 1777, moved to West Moreland County Virginia, later to Kentucky, thence to De Witt Co. Illinois. Buried 1844 in old abandoned Cemetary within city of Clinton, Illinois.
In behalf of a suitable Memorial.
Sincerely yours,
Laurence I. Andrews.

961 Cleveland Ave Decatur Ill -
To the pension department Washington D.C.
Sir -
Will you please in- form me if you have a Revolutionary pension er - by the name of John French on your list. If so where he lived when re- ceiving the pension and where he died

or where he lived when last pension was paid.
The Daughters of Am. Revolution are seeking to find where he is buried - we are told he lived in Macon County
Yours - Mrs. A. J. Whitel Historian D. A. R. Decatur Ill. 961 Cleveland Ave.